Cardinals Place Carlos Martinez On 10-Day DL

Martínez currently leads the National League with a 1.62 ERA.

SAN DIEGO, CA – May 10, 2018 – The St. Louis Cardinals announced prior to tonight’s game that they have placed right-handed pitcher Carlos Martínez (right lat strain) on the 10-day disabled list, retroactive to May 9, and recalled right-handed pitcher Mike Mayers from the Memphis Redbirds (AAA).

Martínez, who is currently leading the National League with his 1.62 ERA, worked 5.0 innings in his start on Tuesday vs. Minnesota, taking a 7-1 loss, his first defeat in seven starts dating back to Opening Day. Martínez has posted a 3-2 mark in his eight starts and leads the Cardinals staff with his 50.0 IP and 47 strikeouts.

Mayers was optioned on Monday after he had gained the win with 3.0 innings of relief vs. the Cubs in Sunday night’s 14-inning affair. Mayers is 1-0 with a 1.86 ERA and one save in his five relief appearances (9.2 IP) for the Cardinals this season.

The Cardinals are still awaiting the return of veteran starter Adam Wainwright, who is expected to throw a bullpen session Thursday in San Diego. He threw five innings of shutout baseball in his rehab start with Double-A Springfield, Monday.

The likely replacement coming from Triple-A Memphis would be Jack Flaherty, who struck out 13 in six and two-thirds innings, Wednesday. He has made two starts for St. Louis this year and has allowed four runs in 10 innings of work.

Then looking a bit further into the future, the Cardinals No. 1 prospect Alex Reyes made his first rehab start on Wednesday at Single-A Palm Beach. It was his first game action since having Tommy John Surgery in February 2017. He struck out six in three and a third innings and reportedly reached 99-MPH on the radar gun. The earliest he can return to the MLB roster in May 28.

Martinez's next start date would have been Tuesday at the Twins, so the Cardinals won't be in a rush to name his replacement until possible the off-day on Monday.